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Washington Nationals: Nationals vs. Mets Series Preview

By Ross Shinberg

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 21: Anthony Rendon #6 of the Washington Nationals rounds second against the New York Mets during the second inning at Nationals Park on September 21, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 21: Anthony Rendon #6 of the Washington Nationals rounds second against the New York Mets during the second inning at Nationals Park on September 21, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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Washington Nationals Max Scherzer
Washington Nationals Max Scherzer /

Game One: Jacob deGrom vs Max Scherzer

If you like offense, you might want to tune into a different game.

Opening Day will feature the Cy Young winner, Jacob deGrom, against the Cy Young runner-up, Max Scherzer.  Here is a comparison of the two player’s stats from last season:

deGrom:  1.70 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, 11.16 K/9, 9.0 WAR (WAR via Fangraphs.com)

Scherzer: 2.53 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, 12.24 K/9, 7.4 WAR

In any other year, Scherzer wins the Cy Young award.  It just goes to show what an incredible year deGrom had.  Even as a rival, Nats fans need to respect deGrom’s capabilities.

deGrom is a complete pitcher.  He racks up the strikeouts, limits free passes, and pitches deep into ballgames.  Last season, only 11 times of his 32 starts did deGrom fail to record at least 21 outs.

Both bullpens might have the day off as Scherzer is no stranger to long days at the office.  Scherzer failed to record six innings pitched in only three starts last season.

The key to this game will be getting perhaps just one hit with a runner in scoring position.  Even getting a runner on second base will be difficult.  Whichever team takes advantage will win the game.

So, the first team to score wins?  It may play out that way.

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